ICYMI: Ohioans Blame Sykes for the Democrat Shutdown
A new report is highlighting how out of touch Democrat Emilia Sykes’ vote to shut down the government is putting critical veteran programs at risk, including employment assistance, healthcare, and support services.
One Ohioan stated, “I’m not political, and it’s affecting what we do. My family is more Democratic, but right now I kind of blame Democrats, because that’s who we’re waiting on.”
This follows a report showing that Sykes is in “an awkward spot for next year’s elections” and her vote to shut down the government “hurt working families in Ohio.”
Read more from Ohio.News here or see excerpts below:
Republicans push back against Democratic blame over federal government shutdown
T.A. DeFeo
Ohio.News
October 7, 2025
Republicans are fighting back against Democrats’ accusations that they are somehow to blame for the federal government shutdown.
Rather, Republicans say U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and liberal-leaning members of their caucus are to blame, and they aren’t absolving Democratic U.S. House members from Ohio from criticism.
“House Republicans have already done our part to keep the government open and fund critical priorities like veterans’ care and border security,” Republican U.S. Rep. Max Miller told Ohio.News exclusively.
“Unfortunately, Leader Schumer and Senate Democrats are holding that progress hostage for political leverage,” Miller added. “The House has acted responsibly. The Senate needs to do the same so we can keep the government open and focused on serving the American people.”
In an email, Zach Bannon, the central regional press secretary for the National Republican Congressional Committee, called out Democratic U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes, saying the federal lawmaker turned her back on America’s heroes.
“Out of touch Democrat Emilia Sykes voted to turn her back on veterans, cutting them off from the benefits they earned and dishonoring their sacrifices,” Bannon said in a statement. “Democrats can’t be trusted to respect our heroes or taxpayers’ money.”
The NRCC, which has publicly said it was to flip Skyes’ seat, charged that shutting down the federal government starting Oct. 1 would risk access for 681,106 Ohio veterans, saying that they would be unable to access the critical programs they have earned, including employment assistance, healthcare, and support services.
[…]
Howard Patterson, a 44-year-old DHL worker, saw the impact of the shutdown firsthand.
“I’m not political, and it’s affecting what we do,” Patterson told CNN outside the Wright Cycle Company Shop in Dayton, which was closed because of the government shutdown.
“My family is more Democratic, but right now I kind of blame Democrats, because that’s who we’re waiting on.”
[…]